A Simple Guide to Your Pet’s Reference Photo

If you’ve been following my art for a while, you know I’m obsessed with tiny details like that special "glint" in a pup’s eye. People always ask, "Kate, how do you make them look so real?"

The secret starts long before I pick up a pencil. It starts with a great photo! I want to show you how to see the world through an artist’s eyes so you can take amazing pictures of your fur-babies.

Once you see these 'secrets,' I promise you’ll never look at a pet photo the same way again!

I’ve put together 7 simple tips below. Whether you’re getting ready for a portrait with me or just want a better camera roll, these secrets will change how you look at your pet forever!

Pro Tip: How to get them to "Stay!"

Before you start, here is how to get the best pose:

• The Anchor: Use a ground stake and a thin leash to keep your dog in one spot so you don’t have to chase them.

• The Helper: Have a friend stand behind you with a squeaky toy or treats to get those "ears up" expressions.

• The Wait: Give them a minute for their eyes to get used to the light so they don't squint!

1. The Foundation: Find the Best Light

Light is what gives a drawing "life." If the light is behind your pet, they will look like a dark shadow. If the sun is too bright, they will squint (and we really want to see those pretty eyes!).

• Inside: Have your pet face a big, bright window. You should stand with your back to the window so the light hits their face.

• Outside: The best time is "Golden Hour" (just after sunrise or before sunset) or a cloudy day. Clouds act like a giant, soft lightbulb in the sky! Avoid the harsh midday sun.

2. The Connection: Get on Their Level

When we stand up and look down at our dogs, it can make their features look a bit distorted. For a soulful portrait, we want to see the world from their perspective.

The Trick: Squat, kneel, or even sit on the floor! You want your phone to be at the exact same height as their eyes.

3. The Quality: Move Your Feet (No Zoom!)

It’s tempting to stay back and use the "zoom" button on your phone, but that actually makes the photo grainy and "crunchy." It hides all those beautiful fur details I love to draw.

The Trick: Use your feet! Walk closer until your pet’s head and chest fill up most of your screen.

4. The Artist’s Request: Sharp Focus

It’s tempting to stay back and use the "zoom" button on your phone, but that actually makes the photo grainy and "crunchy." It hides all those beautiful fur details I love to draw.

The Trick: Use your feet! Walk closer until your pet’s head and chest fill up most of your screen.

5. The Heart: Look for the "Sparkle"

This is my favorite secret tip. You know when a portrait feels like the dog is looking deep into your soul? That is thanks to the catchlight—the tiny white reflection of light in their eyes.

The Trick: Before you snap the photo, look for that little glint of light in their eyes. The best way to get a beautiful catchlight is to take your pet outside, or to have them face a big, bright window. Outside is always best! If you can, take your photos in that 'golden hour' just after sunrise or before sunset (see tip #1 for that!). Finding that catchlight is like capturing the signature of their spirit!

6. Your Style Choice: Pick Your Favorite Angle

Now that we have the technical "bones" ready, you get to choose the "look" of the portrait! There is no wrong answer here—it just depends on the personality you want to capture.

• Straight On: Soulful and direct (can make the nose look a bit shorter).

• Side Profile: Regal and classic (shows off a beautiful silhouette).

• 3/4 View: My personal favorite for 3D realism! It shows the length of the nose and both eyes.

7. The Golden Rule: Take LOTS!

Ok, you are officially an expert now! You have the perfect lighting, you are eye-level, you’ve moved in close, and you are tapping the screen for focus.

My biggest "pro-artist" tip? Don’t just take one photo and stop. Take 16-20! Take 30! Take 50! Seriously, I want you to fill up that camera roll.

You never know which photo will capture that specific, perfect ear angle or that exact sparkle. Take photos of them sitting. Standing. Looking left. Looking right. Take photos in the shade, or facing a different window.

Please, send me as many as you like! (My email can handle it!) The more you take, the better the chance we have of finding The One—the photo that has the colors, dimension, and soul to create a portrait that will absolutely wow you.

Take the next step – more than just a photo.

I know this is a lot of information, and I’m here to help if you have any questions! Please feel free to send me as many photos as you like. We can look through them together to find the perfect one.

Note: If your sweet pet has already passed away, please disregard these rules. Just send me your favorite treasures, and I will do my absolute best to honor them with the photos you have.

I can’t wait to see the "sparkle" you capture in your fur-baby’s eyes! If you’re ready to take the next step and transform one of those beautiful photos into a hand-drawn portrait, I’d love to help you get started.